Education
Policy ∙

Education

Strengthening public education by raising teacher pay, modernizing schools, and ensuring equitable funding for all students.

Education for All: A Stronger Future Starts in Our Schools

Public Education is the Foundation of Opportunity

A strong public education system is the bedrock of democracy and economic prosperity—but chronic underfunding, teacher burnout, and inequitable resource distribution threaten that promise. In Georgia’s 5th Congressional District, we are fighting to ensure every student, no matter their zip code, has access to high-quality education.

That means investing in teachers, modernizing schools, and prioritizing equity so that every child gets a fair chance at success.

The Challenges We Must Address

❌ Teachers Are Underpaid and Overworked

  • Many teachers work second jobs to make ends meet.
  • Out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies is the norm.
  • Burnout and lack of support are driving teacher shortages.

❌ School Funding is Unequal

  • Wealthier districts have better resources, while lower-income schools struggle with outdated textbooks, technology, and facilities.
  • Public money is being siphoned off to private and charter schools, leaving public schools underfunded.

❌ Schools Need Mental Health and Community Support

  • Students face mental health challenges, but there aren’t enough counselors or support services.
  • Families need access to after-school programs, tutoring, and community-based education support.

A Bold Plan to Strengthen Public Education

👩‍🏫 1. Pay and Support Teachers Like the Professionals They Are

  • Raise Teacher Salaries
    • Ensure teachers earn a living wage that reflects their expertise and dedication.
  • End Out-of-Pocket Expenses
    • Fully fund classroom supplies so teachers don’t have to pay for essentials.
  • Expand Healthcare and Retirement Benefits
    • Offer comprehensive wellness programs, including mental health resources for teachers.

🏫 2. Fully Fund Public Schools and End Privatization Schemes

  • Increase Federal and State Education Funding
    • Secure equitable funding to support struggling schools.
  • Target Resources Where They’re Needed Most
    • Prioritize low-income and underfunded schools to close the achievement gap.
  • Ban Public Money from Going to Private Schools
    • Stop vouchers and charter school programs that drain resources from public education.

🏗️ 3. Modernize Schools and Improve Learning Environments

  • Renovate Aging Buildings
    • Invest in safe, modern, energy-efficient school facilities.
  • Equip Classrooms with Technology
    • Ensure every student has high-speed internet access, updated computers, and STEM learning tools.

💡 4. Expand Mental Health and Community-Based Support

  • Fund School Counselors and Psychologists
    • Lower student-to-counselor ratios so every child has access to mental health support.
  • Develop Community Schools
    • Turn schools into hubs that provide after-school programs, tutoring, healthcare, and family resources.
  • Support Anti-Discrimination and Equity Initiatives
    • Ensure schools are safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments.

Our Action Plan: A Fair, Well-Funded Education System

✅ 1. Raise Teacher Pay and Fully Fund Schools

  • Pass federal legislation to increase teacher salaries and fully fund public education.
  • End public funding for private school voucher programs.

✅ 2. Invest in School Infrastructure and Technology

  • Secure funding to modernize schools and provide state-of-the-art learning tools.
  • Expand access to STEM education, trade programs, and digital literacy training.

✅ 3. Strengthen Mental Health Support in Schools

  • Increase funding for school-based counselors and social workers.
  • Establish free mental health programs for students and teachers.

✅ 4. Expand Access to Early Childhood and After-School Programs

  • Invest in universal pre-K and quality childcare for working families.
  • Fund after-school programs and summer learning opportunities.

✅ 5. Ensure Community Participation in Education Policy

  • Hold town halls and school forums to engage parents, students, and teachers in decision-making.
  • Require public transparency in school funding allocations.

Why This Matters for Georgia’s 5th District

✅ Higher Teacher Retention and Better Learning Outcomes

  • Well-paid, well-supported teachers create more stable learning environments.

📈 Economic Growth and Workforce Development

  • Strong public education prepares students for high-paying careers and strengthens the local economy.

🏡 Thriving Communities

  • Community schools and education investment create safer, more engaged neighborhoods.

🎓 Education Equity for All

  • Every child, no matter their background, gets a fair shot at success.

A Future Where Every Child Thrives

We have a responsibility to invest in the next generation. That starts with fully funding public education, supporting teachers, and ensuring every student in Georgia’s 5th District has access to a high-quality education.

Public education is not just a policy—it’s a promise. A promise that every child can succeed, every teacher is valued, and every community benefits from strong schools.

Join the Fight for Public Education

Education should empower—not limit—our children’s futures. Let’s fight for the schools, teachers, and students that make our communities strong.